Looking for a dinner that’s big on flavor but low on effort? This Easy Baked Ranch Chicken is your new weeknight hero! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have juicy, tender chicken breasts coated in a creamy, savory ranch crust that’s baked to golden perfection. It’s comfort food made simple and downright irresistible!

Why You’ll Love Easy Baked Ranch Chicken

Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a go-to in your dinner rotation:
Quick & Easy – Just mix, coat, and bake dinner is ready in under an hour.
Minimal Ingredients – Uses pantry staples like ranch seasoning and mayo.
Juicy Every Time – No dry chicken here this method keeps it moist and flavorful.
Kid & Family Friendly – Creamy ranch flavor is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Versatile – Pairs with everything from mashed potatoes to salad or roasted veggies.

Ingredients in Easy Baked Ranch Chicken

You only need a few simple ingredients to make this crave-worthy dish:
Chicken Breasts – Boneless and skinless, or thighs if preferred.
Mayonnaise or Sour Cream – Adds creaminess and helps the coating stick.
Dry Ranch Dressing Mix – The magic flavor booster!
Parmesan Cheese (optional) – Adds a salty, cheesy crunch on top.
Paprika or Garlic Powder (optional) – A little spice for added depth.
Salt & Pepper – Just to taste.

Instructions

This is a one-pan wonder that couldn’t be easier to make:
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.

2. Prep the Chicken
Pat chicken breasts dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.

3. Make the Ranch Coating
In a bowl, mix mayonnaise (or sour cream) with the dry ranch seasoning and optional spices.

4. Coat the Chicken
Spread the ranch mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese if using.

5. Bake
Place in the prepared baking dish and bake uncovered for 25–35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches 165°F (74°C).

6. Rest & Serve
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon extra sauce from the pan over the top—delicious!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approx. 320

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 40–45 minutes

How to Serve Easy Baked Ranch Chicken

This creamy, savory chicken goes with just about anything!
Serve it over:

• Mashed potatoes or garlic herb rice
• Roasted veggies or a fresh garden salad
• Steamed green beans or corn on the cob
• Even tucked into a sandwich or wrap for lunch leftovers!

Additional Tips

Make your chicken turn out perfect every time:

• Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for even cooking
• Don’t skip the resting step it keeps the juices in
• Use foil to line your dish for easy cleanup
• Want a crispy top? Broil for the last 2–3 minutes
• Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter option

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work great just adjust baking time slightly.

2. Is it okay to use bottled ranch instead of the mix?
Not recommended it’s too runny and won’t coat the chicken the same way.

3. Can I prep this ahead of time?
Definitely. Coat the chicken and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

4. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Store cooled chicken in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.

5. What’s the best way to reheat it?
Reheat in the oven at 300°F until warmed through to keep it juicy.

6. Can I add breadcrumbs for more texture?
Sure! Add seasoned breadcrumbs on top of the mayo mixture before baking.

7. Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you use a gluten-free ranch mix, yes!

8. How do I know when it’s done?
Use a meat thermometer 165°F is the safe internal temperature for chicken.

9. Can I make this spicier?
Add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper to the coating for a kick.

10. What’s a good side dish pairing?
Try roasted potatoes, garlic bread, or a creamy coleslaw for a well-rounded meal.

Conclusion

This Easy Baked Ranch Chicken is proof that dinner doesn’t need to be complicated to be completely satisfying. With its rich flavor, simple prep, and versatile pairings, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Creamy, juicy, and loaded with ranch goodness what more could you want on a busy night?

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